Assisting the rising senior population

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of Americans ages 65 and older is projected to increase from 58 million in 2022 to 82 million by 2050 (a 47% increase). The 65-and-older age group’s share of the total population is projected to rise from 17% to 23%.

Today, the US population is older than it has ever been. As the population ages, the need for comprehensive healthcare services and long-term care increases. However, nursing homes and visits to the doctor’s office are becoming more and more expensive.

That’s where Adult Day Services come in.

Active Day provides engaging senior day programs featuring socialization opportunities, nutritious meals, and personalized care for older adults. In this blog, we’ll be outlining the top 5 challenges that seniors face as they age and offering ways to help navigate these challenges.

Challenge One: Senior Americans face a caregiving gap

Demand for elder care is expected to increase sharply with a rise in the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, which could more than double by 2050 to 13 million vs. 6 million in 2024. However, the supply of available caregivers, both professional and informal, isn’t keeping up with this demand.

The caregiving gap is growing, especially for those with lower incomes and dementia. The financial burden of caregiving can be substantial, with many family caregivers facing significant out-of-pocket expenses. Economic pressures can force potential caregivers to prioritize employment over caregiving responsibilities.

Active Day offers nursing supervision, personal care, engaging activities, and nutritious meals that adhere to allergies and dietary restrictions. Watch the video below to learn more about how we care for our members:

Challenge Two: Seniors are facing loneliness

As the population ages, there’s an increased risk of social isolation among seniors. This is especially prevalent for elders facing mobility issues, chronic conditions, or those who outlive their spouses and friends.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) reported that nearly one-fourth of adults aged 65+ are considered to be socially isolated. This is a serious issue as a lack of social relationships is associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease and a 32% increased risk of stroke.

Active Day Members enjoy an improved quality of life as they spend their days in a positive environment with our nurturing staff and fellow seniors. Members at our senior day centers spend time participating in activities and enjoying meals together, allowing them to forge lasting friendships. These friendships help offset the negative side effects of loneliness.

Challenge Three: Physical aging and chronic conditions

According to the National Council on Aging, about 95% of older adults have at least one chronic condition. Aging increases the risk of conditions such as hearing loss, arthritis, cataracts, cancer, heart disease, and dementia.

We understand that not all adults can be active members at our community centers. This is why we offer our senior day services at the homes of our seniors. Our professionals ensure medications are administered properly and on time.

Our caregivers are trained to provide assistance with daily tasks such as personal care, errands, meal prepping, housekeeping, and other activities that aging seniors may struggle to upkeep on their own.

We assist with aging seniors’ mobility needs while allowing them to be independent. Active Day’s facilities are designed with seniors’ mobility needs in mind, featuring accessible spaces, ramps, handrails, and non-slip surfaces to facilitate safe movement. These environmental adaptations make it easier for seniors to reduce the risk of falls and injuries.

Challenge Four: Inability to drive

Arthritis, muscle weakness, and other conditions can make it difficult or impossible for aging seniors to drive. For older adults, driving represents freedom. Losing the ability to drive can be challenging to come to terms with.

Active Day provides various transportation to and from our facilities. Our fleet of vehicles or a secure 3rd party provider will coordinate member pick-up and drop-off from home.

Some of our centers offer complimentary transportation for medical appointments to members and non-members who qualify in the community. By providing door-to-door service, our team ensures that seniors can attend any appointments and outings without the stress of coordinating travel.

Active Day also offers community outings to foster integration and inclusion. These outings include baseball games, restaurants, the zoo, museums, volunteer events, and much more.

Challenge Five: Financial instability

Approximately one-third of current workers ages 55 through 65 are likely to have low income and savings in retirement. As seniors enter their golden years, the combination of fixed incomes, rising healthcare costs, and unexpected expenses can create a precarious financial situation.

Here’s a closer look at how financial instability affects senior citizens:

• Limited access to healthcare: Financial instability can restrict seniors’ access to healthcare services, medications, and treatments. With healthcare costs continuously rising, seniors may find themselves having to choose between essential medication and other basic needs.
• Housing insecurity: Many seniors live on fixed incomes that may not keep pace with the cost of living or housing price inflation. This can lead to housing instability, with some seniors struggling to afford rent or property taxes.
• Compromised nutrition: Financial constraints can affect a senior’s ability to purchase nutritious food, leading to diet-related health issues. Seniors might opt for cheaper, less nutritious food options. This can negatively impact their health and exacerbate existing conditions.
• Increased stress and anxiety: Worrying about finances can cause significant stress and anxiety. impacting seniors’ mental health. Concerns over making ends meet can lead to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues. As we know, poor mental health can have an impact on physical health.

Adult Day Services from Active Day are designed with these challenges in mind. Funding is available through Medicaid, Long-Term Care Insurance, the Veterans Administration, and various other state and county grants and programs. Our Center Directors can discuss funding options and help determine your eligibility.

How Adult Day Services for Seniors Offer Support

The challenges facing America’s aging population are complex, but with compassionate support and tailored programs, seniors can lead fulfilling lives. Active Day is dedicated to providing the care, socialization, and assistance our seniors deserve.

If you or a loved one are navigating these challenges, don’t hesitate to ask for help. Together, we can explore solutions that bring joy and support to the golden years.

Contact Active Day today to learn more about how we can tackle these challenges with compassion and dedication.